“It’s hard to believe what’s going on. And what’s happening.
It’s just been really tough," the son said. “He was just grateful he had
a job, that he could pay his bills and provide food for his family.”

Family members said Melena worked the late shift, placing tuna in large steamers.

Authorities initially reported that there was some sort of
“industrial accident” at the plant in the 13100 block of Arctic Circle
about 7 a.m. Thursday, according to Santa Fe Springs Fire
Department Division Chief Michael Crook.

Crook said paramedics rushed to the plant and pronounced the man dead as soon as they arrived. No one else was injured.

“The
entire Bumble Bee Foods family is saddened by the tragic loss of our
colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Melena family,” Pat
Menke, the company’s vice president of human resources, said in a
statement.